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Tag Archives: 12 tone

Tools for Modern Improvisation

Tools for modern improvisation is a collection of methods I've used over the last 25 years. In this course have included an explanation of the techniques, scores from compositions, technical exercises that I've used to gain facility and practical recommendations on how best to approach these techniques. I've employed these techniques in a wide variety of styles and have included 20 different recordings to demonstrate various systems.

I think it's best to demonstrate the techniques found in this book via audio examples so that you can get an idea on whether the sound your hearing is intriguing enough to want to learn more.

23rd Chords

23rd Chords the technique I learned from Charlie Banacos which employs three 7th chords to form a 12 tone aggregate. Below is an excerpt from a composition I wrote with this technique.

Blue Eleven

The score for this composition is included with this course as well as the Twelve 23rd chord combinations.There is also PDFs containing exercises to develop 23rd chord facility. twelve 864 page PDFs for a total of 10,368 pages of exercises. Another 29 page document is also included that shows you other possible three tetrad combinations.

027 pitch class set

Pitch class set improvisation is discussed in depth along with examples of composition

12 Tone Boogie

The score for this composition is included with this course as well as a recommended exercise to help you develop facility. Fingering is included for guitarists.

013 pitch class set

A very in depth section of the book covers the use of the 013 pitch class set in a rock, blues, jazz, classical idioms. Below is two excerpts:

Blues for Arnie

Dakota Gumbo

Scores for these composition and others are included with this course as well as a 24 page recommended exercise to help you develop facility.

014 pitch class set

A very in depth section of the book on covering the use of the 013 pitch class set in a rock, blues, jazz, classical idioms. Below are three excerpts:

Numbers Jazz Version

Numbers Dance Version

Schoenberg's 5 Pieces for Piano 2nd Movement Improvisation with 014's

Scores for both versions of "Numbers" are included with this course as well as a 10 page exercise to help you develop facility.

015 pitch class set

015 pitch class and its application to various styles and Intervallic applications. Below is one excerpt:

Variation One

Score for this composition is included as well as a one 23 page exercises in PDF format and a 42 page étude.

016 pitch class set

Applications of 016 is discussed as well as a nine page étude is included.

Combined pitch class set are discussed.

A very in depth look at 027-016 pitch class set.

A Few Dozen

Transcribed guitar solo is included included plus a 171 page and 10 page PDF exercise.

Combined pitch class set are discussed.

A very in depth look at 027-026 pitch class set.

Blue Lotus

A 5 page exercise in PDF format is included.

025 pitch class set

A very in depth look at 025 pitch class set and its application to the Rock, Metal, Jazz and Blues idioms. Below are three examples:

Vanishing Point

Stand It Up

Asher

A 10 page exercise in PDF format and an étude applying 025 to the jazz standard "Giant Steps" is included.

026 pitch class set

A discussion of the application of 026.

Messiaen's Quartet for the end of time 2nd movement improvisation

An 11 page exercise in PDF format is included.

Other highlights:

Charts showing how to apply the pitch class sets 013, 014, 015, 016, 025, 026 and 027 to chords in all keys.

Solo guitar arrangements for "Stella by Starlight" and the "Child is Born."

Exactly the type of book I hope Bruce would put out. This not only explains the concepts that he uses when improvisating and composing but also gives you exercises so that you can develop these techniques. Highly recommend! V. Chudinov

I find the sounds created by these different techniques to be quite compelling. Not sure I have the time to develop these ideas in my playing but it sure is nice to know what is going on when I hear these types of musical statements. W. Mandel

Discover new ideas for compositions and improvisation with this great course!

"The definitive breakdown of musical categorization was delivered in 1962 by Duke Ellington: “There are simply two kinds of music, good music and the other kind.” File this album in the Good Music section."

–Steve Holtje, Manager, ESP-Disk

“This is some Beautiful Cosmic Music created by two of the most inventive musicians on the scene today.”

–Joe Lovano, 2016

"Brilliant. Love it; almost a Kraftwerk twist to it."

–Rob Taylor nmblive.com, 2017

Listen To This

The intuitive understanding between musicians is called “chemistry” and Listen To This, with Judi Silvano and Bruce Arnold has chemistry in abundance. The duets on this recording, some improvised, some composed, show a duo who are intensely tuned into every nuance as they follow the sonic twists and turns of these 12 striking songs. This is some deep listening.

While Judi Silvano may be best known for her extensive jazz catalogue, her passions extend well beyond, to embrace classical and free improv music. Her background in modern dance also adds an underlying spatial physicality. It is this spatial element that is particularly present on Listen To This, and a likely reason that working with Bruce Arnold proved to be so rewarding.

Hailing from Sioux Falls South Dakota, Bruce Arnold has been exploring the potentials of his beloved electric guitar for years, using the program SuperCollider to summon up atmospheric soundscapes. His added fascination with 12 tone and pitch class theory as applied to improvisation lends his playing a distinctive harmonic and melodic voice. To find out more about what equipment was used on this recording please see bottom of page.

When the two artists decided to see where a duet situation would lead them, both were surprised at the ease with which they created engrossing, evocative music. “I couldn’t believe how comfortable Judi was with pedals and effects she had never used before.” says Arnold. “And what she did with them was so cool, it was great to improvise with; it felt very free to create along with her.” As for Silvano, she says “Bruce has exactly what I look for in a musician- he is literate, sensitive, and incredibly open in his approach.”

The Tracks

Listen To This opens with “Remembrances” a bluesy rumination that is made sinister by the use of a half step combined with a major 3rd. A free improv that become a story of life's complexity.

The other tracks on "Listen to This" are:

Space Lullaby: The welcoming release of majestic arpeggiated guitar chords ring out like church bells to Judi’s soaring melodies.

My Neighborhood: Judi wrote this song as an homage to life’s beauties, but it acquired some ironically dark overtones with the addition of processing. Judi and Bruce do some impressive back and forth in the “break.”

Cats Are Watching: This track provides some whimsy —ever wondered what the brain patterns of a cat might sound like?

Get "Listen To This"...today!

FREE SHIPPING WHEN ORDER TOTAL IS OVER 200.00 USD.

Michal Shapiro created a video using one of the compositions on this CD entitled "My Neighborhood." This video was honored by the Photoworks Organization Of Glen Echo Park, Maryland, USA and included in one of their video shows. If you order the CD download of "Listen To This" a copy of this video will be included.

Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon

Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon covers 3 note chords. Typically chord books cover chords build in 3rds. For the first time available anywhere the Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon books explore the other 11 ways that chords can be built revealing a whole new world of sound! Each of the 12 volumes gives you a in-depth explanation of each 3 note chord in addition to études to help you hear how these structures sound over various harmonic situations which can also be used to help you memorize and apply each 3 note group.

Bruce Arnold states that the "Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon" also gives you a crucial information on how you can understand and apply each 3 note chord. It is interesting to note that as you build chords with smaller structures there are more places that these chords can be used as substitutions. This makes these chords especially useful because they can be used in so many more situations that larger chord voicings. A chart is included in each book showing you all the practical ways that each 3 note structure can be used as well as examples in the études.

A money saving Bundle or 12 separate volumes can be purchased.

Here is a breakdown: Click on a title to go directly to the book.

Each book includes a 131 Page PDF, MP3s and Midifiles plus bass clef part for each exercise. Click on individual instrument if you prefer a single download.

Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon Bundle

Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon Bundle is the most cost effective way to study!

The Bundle contains all 12 books in this series. It will give a student a life time of new ideas for playing chords and developing highly original styles of playing within any idiom.

Expand your concept on how to choose which chords you play for each song you learn.

These books allow you to be much for compositional in your choice of chords to use for any song. If the melody of a song mostly contains whole steps and 4ths then why not choose a chord structure that is based on those intervals? 025 or 027 would be great choices in this previously circumstance!

Who should use the Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon?

These books can be used by composers and instrumentalist to create new interesting sounding chords. All inversions are included so a composer or pianist has a readily available list. Guitarist will find chords specifically voiced for their instrument with chord diagrams to help them quickly find the chords. Composers writing for guitar will find exact voicings that they know will be playable on the guitar.

MP3s include bass and drum grooves as well as chords.

Bass and drums are included with all MP3s making them fun and helps a student see exactly what these chords will sound like in a musical situation. Tracks are also included without the chords so that a student can improvise over each track.

Save money with the Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon Bundle.

The bundle is a great way to save money. If you buy all the Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon separately it will cost you 239.88. Get them now for the low price seen below.

Get Ear Training Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon Bundle download as a preorder for special price. Books added as published

Status: Volumes 1-3 are Currently Available 4-12 are NOT CURRENTLY PUBLISHED!, Digital book is available for preorder!

Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon Individual Courses

If you prefer to order single books in this series you will find information on each below:

Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon Volume One "012"

Example of the études found in Volume One

Each group of études found in this book applies an “012” chord to different styles of music or uses “012” is different ways. All études include 3 different tempos to help a student slowly master each exercise. You will find that the faster you play “012s” the more musical they sound so expect a period of development before this combination is fluent.

Most of the études include addition rhythm section MP3 which can be used to create you own improvisation or used with the
"Ultimate Arpeggio" book to play the études found in that study. Overall the best idea to practice the use of “012s” is to:

Learn the chord voicings for either piano or guitar by playing them cycle 5.

If you are a composer write short études uses the “012.”

Learn how to play the études by first starting slow and then increasing the tempo each day.

Just listen to the études to get the sound of the 3 note grouping into your ear.

Sight sing through the études by arpeggiating the chord voicings or singing the bass lines. Many times students may need to use the MetroDrone to help them maintain the key center.

Click on triangle to see the "012" étude with chords on beats 1 and 3:

The page below shows you an an étude where "012" voicings are substituted over a common chord progression. In this case it is a I7 to bIII7 to II7 to bII7. There is a two measure count off which gives you the key center in half notes. For any dominant chord there are 6 possible "012s" that can used as a substitute. You can find out more about this in the book.

There are 3 MP3s for each étude each gets progressively faster. Since these études make more musical sense when play at a faster tempo the MP3s below start with the fastest MP3 and then get slower. Keep in mind that there are also midifiles for each example so you can play any exercise at any tempo.

Level 2 MP3 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

Level 1 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

You can use these études for ear training, sight reading, transcription or just to listen to ingrain the sound of the note in the key center. Remember you can play these examples at any tempo... Super slow or extremely fast with the midifiles that accompany this course. Bass charts are also included for all exercises except this example.

Click on triangle to see the "012" étude in a Funk style:

This étude is over a static dominant 7th chord in the key of F. The bass lines are also derived from the "012s" that are available on a dominant 7th chord. Charts for the bass line are included.

There are 3 MP3s for each étude each gets progressively faster. Since these études make more musical sense when play at a faster tempo the MP3s below start with the fastest MP3 and then get slower. Keep in mind that there are also midifiles for each example so you can play any exercise at any tempo.

Level 2 MP3 for example above with 2 measure count-off on beats 1 and 3 which also creates the key center.

Level 1 for example above with 2 measure count-off on beats 1 and 3 which also creates the key center.

You can use these études for ear training, sight reading, transcription or just to listen to ingrain the sound of the note in the key center. Remember you can play these examples at any tempo... Super slow or extremely fast with the midifiles that accompany this course.

Click on triangle to see an étude in a Swing style:

This étude is over a static dominant 7th chord in the key of Bb. The bass lines are also derived from the "012s" that are available on a dominant 7th chord. Charts for the bass line are included.

There are 3 MP3s for each étude each gets progressively faster. Since these études make more musical sense when play at a faster tempo the MP3s below start with the fastest MP3 and then get slower. Keep in mind that there are also midifiles for each example so you can play any exercise at any tempo.

Level 2 MP3 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

Level 1 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

You can use these études for ear training, sight reading, transcription or just to listen to ingrain the sound of the note in the key center. Remember you can play these examples at any tempo... Super slow or extremely fast with the midifiles that accompany this course.

Click on triangle to see an étude in a Shuffle style:

This étude is over a static dominant 7th chord in the key of Eb. The bass lines are also derived from the "012s" that are available on a dominant 7th chord. Charts for the bass line are included.

There are 3 MP3s for each étude each gets progressively faster. Since these études make more musical sense when play at a faster tempo the MP3s below start with the fastest MP3 and then get slower. Keep in mind that there are also midifiles for each example so you can play any exercise at any tempo.

Level Two MP3 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

Level 1 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

You can use these études for ear training, sight reading, transcription or just to listen to ingrain the sound of the note in the key center. Remember you can play these examples at any tempo... Super slow or extremely fast with the midifiles that accompany this course.

Get Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon Volume One "012" download today!

Status: In stock, Digital book is available for immediate access.

Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon Volume Two "013"

Volume Two in this series is a MUST OWN course.

"013s" are some of the most beautiful and useful sounds in music. It is also the most versatile chord of the 12 different chord types. Recent research proves that "013" was used extensively by John Coltrane in his late recordings. Proving once again that "013" is a must learn pitch class set because of the great diversity in its application. Below is a quick list of some benefits:

"013" can be used as a replacement for any chord type.

"013" is an easy chord to play on both the guitar and the piano.

"013" can create both a consonant or dissonant sound depending on how it is voiced.

There is a large quantity of songs and compositions that have a preponderance of "013s" in their melody

Scales such as the Modes of Major, Melodic Minor Ascending, Harmonic Minor and Diminished all have two discreet "013s" in their scale so it can easily be substituted for these sounds.

Example of the études found in Volume Two

There are seven sets of études in this course and each applies an “013” chord to different type of musical situation. All études include 3 different tempos to help a student slowly master each exercise. "013s" are beautiful sounding at any tempo so the learning curve is not as steep and you can start using them in your playing quickly. "013s" are excellent for replacing the tired chords you play. They are also create a great sound when used in a modal situation.

Most of the études include addition rhythm section MP3 which can be used to create you own improvisation or used with the
"Ultimate Arpeggio" book to play the études found in that study. Overall the best idea to practice the use of “013s” is to:

Learn the chord voicings for either piano or guitar by playing them cycle 5.

If you are a composer write short études uses the “013.”

Learn how to play the études by first starting slow and then increasing the tempo each day.

Just listen to the études to get the sound of the 3 note grouping into your ear.

Sight sing through the études by arpeggiating the chord voicings or singing the bass lines. Many times students may need to use the MetroDrone to help them maintain the key center.

Click on triangle to see the "013" étude over the turnaround I, vi, ii, V:

The "013s" replacements for the typical I, vi, ii, V really give this tired old progression new life. Charts for the bass line are included as well as a piano part transposed down an octave.

There are 3 MP3s for each étude each gets progressively faster. Since these études make more musical sense when play at a faster tempo the MP3s below start with the fastest MP3 and then get slower. Keep in mind that there are also midifiles for each example so you can play any exercise at any tempo.

Level 2 MP3 for example above with 2 measure count-off on beats 1 and 3 which also creates the key center.

Level 1 for example above with 2 measure count-off on beats 1 and 3 which also creates the key center.

You can use these études for ear training, sight reading, transcription or just to listen to ingrain the sound of the note in the key center. Remember you can play these examples at any tempo... Super slow or extremely fast with the midifiles that accompany this course.

Click on triangle to see an étude where the "013s" replacement the typical I, vi, ii, V but the V7 chord uses Symmetrical Diminished based harmony. Charts for the bass line are included as well as a piano part transposed down an octave:

This étude again shows how nicely "013" voicings breath new life into old chord progressions.

There are 3 MP3s for each étude each gets progressively faster. Since these études make more musical sense when play at a faster tempo the MP3s below start with the fastest MP3 and then get slower. Keep in mind that there are also midifiles for each example so you can play any exercise at any tempo.

Level 2 MP3 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

Level 1 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

You can use these études for ear training, sight reading, transcription or just to listen to ingrain the sound of the note in the key center. Remember you can play these examples at any tempo... Super slow or extremely fast with the midifiles that accompany this course.

Click on triangle to see an étude using the Diatonic Chords of a Major Scale:

This étude demonstrates how nice the diatonic chords sound when built in "013s." There are also études for a Dorian and Mixolydian scales. The bass lines are also derived from the "013s" that are available on a dominant 7th chord. Charts for the bass line are included.

There are 3 MP3s for each étude each gets progressively faster. Since these études make more musical sense when play at a faster tempo the MP3s below start with the fastest MP3 and then get slower. Keep in mind that there are also midifiles for each example so you can play any exercise at any tempo.

Level Two MP3 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

Level 1 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

You can use these études for ear training, sight reading, transcription or just to listen to ingrain the sound of the note in the key center. Remember you can play these examples at any tempo... Super slow or extremely fast with the midifiles that accompany this course.

Click on triangle to see the "013" étude playing diatonic Symmetrical Diminished chords over a dominant 7th:

The page below shows you an an étude where "013" voicings are substituted dominant chord using "013" diatonic Symmetrical Diminished chords. There is a two measure count off which gives you the key center in half notes. For any dominant chord there are 6 possible "013s" that can used as a substitute. You can find out more about this in the book.

There are 3 MP3s for each étude each gets progressively faster. Since these études make more musical sense when play at a faster tempo the MP3s below start with the fastest MP3 and then get slower. Keep in mind that there are also midifiles for each example so you can play any exercise at any tempo.

Level 2 MP3 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

Level 1 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

You can use these études for ear training, sight reading, transcription or just to listen to ingrain the sound of the note in the key center. Remember you can play these examples at any tempo... Super slow or extremely fast with the midifiles that accompany this course. Bass charts are also included for all exercises except this example.

Status: In Stock, Digital book is available for immediate download.

Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon Volume Three "014"

Volume Three covers 014 chords which are distinctively evocative.

"014s" are mostly used as a substitute for a dominant 7th chord but can also be used as °7 or -Major7 chords. 014's pair up as a hexatonic scale in many ways and this book covers them all. Below is a quick list of other benefits:

"014" gives a sound reminiscent of Thelonious Monk!

"014" is an easy chord to play on both the guitar and the piano.

"014" creates a mostly dissonant sound so it is very useful when this type of sound is called for i.e. Jazz, Heavy Metal etc...

There is a large quantity of songs and compositions that have a preponderance of "014s" in their melody. Most of the work Anton Webern employes an "014" pitch class set. Some other notable compositions are Mr. Arnold's "Numbers" or Judi Silvano and Bruce Arnold's haunting blues "Remembrances."

Scales such as the the highly used Symmetrical Diminished (1/2 step, whole step) have many discreet "014s" in its scale so it can easily be substituted for these sounds.

Example of the études found in Volume Three

There are five sets of études in this course and each applies an “014” chord to different types of musical situations. All études include 3 different tempos to help a student slowly master each exercise. "014s" are beautiful sounding at any tempo so the learning curve is not as steep and you can start using them in your playing quickly. "014s" are especially useful for replacing the tired dominant chord vocings that you play.

Most of the études include addition rhythm section MP3s which can be used to create you own improvisation or used with the
"Ultimate Arpeggio" book to play the études found in that study. Overall the best idea to practice the use of “014s” is to:

Learn the chord voicings for either piano or guitar by playing them cycle 5.

If you are a composer write short études uses the “014.”

Learn how to play the études by first starting slow and then increasing the tempo each day.

Just listen to the études to get the sound of the 3 note grouping into your ear.

Sight sing through the études by arpeggiating the chord voicings or singing the bass lines. Many times students may need to use the MetroDrone to help them maintain the key center.

Click on triangle to see the "014" étude over the turnaround I7, VI7, II7, V7:

The "014s" replacements for the typical I7, VI7, II7, V7 really give this tired old progression new life. Charts for the bass line are included as well as a piano part transposed down an octave.

There are 3 MP3s for each étude each gets progressively faster. Since these études make more musical sense when play at a faster tempo the MP3s below start with the fastest MP3 and then get slower. Keep in mind that there are also midifiles for each example so you can play any exercise at any tempo.

Level 2 MP3 for example above with 2 measure count-off on beats 1 and 3 which also creates the key center.

Level 1 for example above with 2 measure count-off on beats 1 and 3 which also creates the key center.

You can use these études for ear training, sight reading, transcription or just to listen to ingrain the sound of the note in the key center. Remember you can play these examples at any tempo... Super slow or extremely fast with the midifiles that accompany this course.

Click on triangle to see an étude where the "014s" replacement the chords for a Blues progression. Charts for the bass line are included as well as a piano part transposed down an octave:

This étude again shows how nicely "014" voicings breath new life into a Blues progression.

There are 3 MP3s for each étude each gets progressively faster. Since these études make more musical sense when play at a faster tempo the MP3s below start with the fastest MP3 and then get slower. Keep in mind that there are also midifiles for each example so you can play any exercise at any tempo.

Level 2 MP3 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

Level 1 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

You can use these études for ear training, sight reading, transcription or just to listen to ingrain the sound of the note in the key center. Remember you can play these examples at any tempo... Super slow or extremely fast with the midifiles that accompany this course.

Click on triangle to see an étude where "014" replaces either a Diminished 7th or Minor Major 7th Chord:

This étude demonstrates how you can replace a Diminished 7th or Minor Major 7th Chord with "014s." Charts for the bass line are included.

There are 3 MP3s for each étude each gets progressively faster. Since these études make more musical sense when play at a faster tempo the MP3s below start with the fastest MP3 and then get slower. Keep in mind that there are also midifiles for each example so you can play any exercise at any tempo.

Level Two MP3 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

Level 1 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

You can use these études for ear training, sight reading, transcription or just to listen to ingrain the sound of the note in the key center. Remember you can play these examples at any tempo... Super slow or extremely fast with the midifiles that accompany this course.

Click on triangle to see the "014" étude playing "014" voicings derived from a Symmetrical Diminished scale over a dominant 7th:

The page below shows you an an étude where "014" voicings derived from a Symmetrical Diminished scale over a dominant 7th. There is a two measure count off which gives you the key center in half notes. For any dominant chord there are many possible "014s" that can used as a substitute. You can find out more about this in the book.

There are 3 MP3s for each étude each gets progressively faster. Since these études make more musical sense when play at a faster tempo the MP3s below start with the fastest MP3 and then get slower. Keep in mind that there are also midifiles for each example so you can play any exercise at any tempo.

Level 2 MP3 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

Level 1 for example above with 2 measure count-off which also creates the key center.

You can use these études for ear training, sight reading, transcription or just to listen to ingrain the sound of the note in the key center. Remember you can play these examples at any tempo... Super slow or extremely fast with the midifiles that accompany this course. Bass charts are also included for all exercises except this example.

Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon Volume Twelve "048"

Get Ultimate 3 Note Chord Lexicon Volume Six "024" as preorder!

Status: NOT CURRENTLY PUBLISHED!, Digital book is available for preorder.

Reviews

What people are saying:

I've been waiting for this series for a long time. I own Sonic Resource Guide, Ultimate Arpeggio and Tools for Modern Improvisation and find them fascinating. Glad I can now see a path to developing my own style with these chords. M. Anders

I have the "012" book and find these structures very useful in free improvisation. Very dissonant structures excite me and as a guitarist seeing Mr. Arnold's handpicked voicings saves me a lot of time.J. Nader

I'm a jazz bassist and find the bass parts in these books to be a fantastic place to find new and interesting ways to compose bass lines. It is also great sight reading material!! H. Bain

These books have brought me into a world that I didn't even know existed. I love all the new sounds that these structure create. They are very easy to learn and because each chord can be used in so many ways its really expanding my playing ability quickly D. Kettler

Have a story or a review you want to submit. We would love to hear from you please send us an email.

My Music: Exploration in the Application of 12 Tone Technique to Jazz Composition and Improvisation

Ask yourself these questions:

Are you an intermediate to advanced musician that has interest in learning how to apply 20 century classical music techniques to Jazz composition and improvisation?

Are you a composer, pianist or guitarist looking for a new way to build and implement chords?

Are you a contemporary musician looking for new ways to move past tertial built harmony but need help with organizing or applying these contemporary sounds?

Are you a jazz musician who loves the sound of McCoy Tyner and want to apply his harmonic and melodic concepts in a more advanced way?

Do you want to create improvisational forms and ideas that move beyond the typical chord chart paradigm?

Do you have interest in using trichord harmony to replace your usual tertially built chords?

Do you want to hear what combining the ideas of Schoenberg and Webern would sound like in a jazz group setting?

Do you want a highly organized method for applying pitch class basic ideas to improvisation and composition?

If the answer is YES then MY MUSIC: Explorations in the Application of 12 Tone Techniques to Jazz Composition and Improvisation will give you some intriguing ideas on how to organize and apply serial and 12 Tone concepts in an improvisational setting.

Bruce Arnold, the New York-based guitarist-composer, educator, and author, has achieved a strikingly original sound by applying jazz improvisational techniques to late 20th century 12-tone compositional methods. His live performances and recordings with The Bruce Arnold Trio consist of adventurous explorations of this unexpectedly combustible sonic combination. This book takes an in depth look at the techniques he uses to derive his signature sound.

In this book Bruce Arnold takes this highly complex subject, and in simple, clear language explains the methods used in his compositions. Through the use of trichords Bruce presents a method to either entirely replace the usually tertial based chords used in contemporary rock and jazz or to give interesting substitutes for common chord structures such as the 12 bar blues. In otherwords his system can function either as a replacement for the commonly used chords for in traditional jazz and rock improvisation or can be used to form new sounding compositions and improvisational forms relying on non-tertial trichord structures. Applications to both modal and chord by chord compositional structures are presented to give a student examples of how typical musical structures can be rearranged to create fresh new musical ideas.

Full scores of all compositions are included along with audio files. Digital Download edition has audio files in MP3s format. The Physical edition has a CD included with the book.

This book exams the following concepts:

The use of pitch class sets 013, 014, 015, 016, 027 in a contemporary improvisational setting.

Non Symmetrical Trichord Groupings.

23rd Chords and 12 Tone Composition.

Hexatonic based Composition and Improvisation ideas.

The use of four trichords as a source for playing in and outside the key center

The creation of pseudo 12 tone improvisational fields.

The use of pedal tones and other common rock and jazz techniques to create 12 tone harmonic structures.

Application of the aforementioned ideas to solo guitar playing.

Symmetrical and non-symmetrical groupings of 4 trichord arrays.

Application of trichord structures to typical jazz forms such as the 12 bar blues and Giant Steps.

Integer Notation commonly used in post tonal theory is explained in detail.

Examples from live performance videos:

Below is a few videos showing you some of the ways pitch class improvisation has been applied in a jazz and rock setting. Please note that Mr. Arnold applies a strict code of only using the pitch class set of the composition in his improvisation. For instance if the composition is based on 027 then all improvisation is also based on this pitch class set.

Many other examples of pitch class composition and improvisation can be found by searching for Bruce Arnold on youtube.com or purchasing any of his over 30 audio CDs and DVDs.

Explore this interest world of new sounds with MY MUSIC: Explorations in the Application of 12 Tone Techniques to Jazz Composition and Improvisation. An intriguing new approach to improvisation and composition.

Additional Edition Information

Digital IBSN: 978-1-59489-786-3

Physical IBSN: 978-1-890944-10-0

41 pages: Includes scores and audio examples of all music. Digital edition has MP3s for audio and Physical edition has one CD.

What people are saying:

I first learned on Bruce's compositional and improvisation ideas in a clinic I attending in Geneva, Switzerland. I was particually drawn to the idea of matching up the pitch class set of your composition to the improvisation that you then express through the blowing form. Finally the some of the ideas of the early 20th century composer's concept of adding improvisation to a classical composition is being realized 75 years or so later. John Cage would be dancing with joy :) ... V. Chudinov

I purchased My Music and the Sonic Resource Guide. These books along with the host of other downloads Mr. Arnold has on his website have been the main stay of my practice sessions over the last few years. His highly refined way of organizing sound and willingness to share his system with other is commendable. I've also had many email correspondences with him and his dedication to helping me organize and apply these concepts to my music has been greatly appreciated. W. Bergman

Bruce Arnold’s music has been warmly received by the press: Jazziz Magazine wrote “Finding an original spin in a world full of compositional cliches is no easy task, but guitarist Bruce Arnold takes an impressive shot on "Blue Eleven" his debut recording as a leader.” On “A Few Dozen” the sound was New York downtown cool, with a banked, dry ice burn. Of this CD, the Los Angles Times said, "Arnold's music never loses its contact with jazz and he deserves credit for his effort to expand the potential of the jazz palette." On his CD "Give 'Em Some" Arnold lets loose with hard-hitting rock riffs, prompting the All Music Guide to write “(This CD) demonstrates something Schoenberg and his followers couldn’t have foreseen: that serialism has applications beyond the concert hall and may even be of use to a guitar power trio." various music media sources

Get Started today with this highly targeted book and learn about a new way to approach composition and improvisation!